Clinton stresses energy efficiency as economic driver

— Former President Bill Clinton told a group of officials from the Delta region that energy efficiency is the key to economic improvement in the area.

Clinton, speaking by phone to the Delta Grassroots Caucus, told those in attendance at the Clinton Library in Little Rock that he is "convinced the problem of climate change is the opportunity of climate change" and that millions of jobs can be created through nationwide projects to retrofit buildings with energy efficient updates.

"That really gives rural America and the Delta specifically a chance we have not had in a generation to become a source of economic opportunity, not a source of economic woe," Clinton said.

He added that the work can be paid for largely by choosing to "spend the money we spend on energy in a different way" rather than finding new funding sources.

Clinton opened his remarks saying he had worked as president and governor to improve the Delta region, which he said was affected disproportionately by the economic crisis.

On that note, he predicted positive news on the horizon.

"We are on the verge of coming out of this economic crisis - if the people in Washington don't make decisions that derail the recovery," Clinton said.

Gov. Mike Beebe and U.S. Rep. Mike Ross are among the speakers scheduled to address the caucus later Friday.

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